Tag: Technology

TommyLog TECH – Demystifying The Google Chromecast #VZWBuzz #AD

ChromecastHey kids, for today’s TommyLog Tech, I want to show you my new Google Chromecast and talk about setting it up and then take a few moments to discuss what makes it different from it’s competitors.

When you open the Chromecast box, the first thing you notice how small the actual unit is. It’s less than 3 inches long but 1.5 inches wide and has a male HDMI on one end and a micro USB port for power on the other. That’s it. The box contains the Chromecast itself, a USD power cables, power adapter to plug into the wall and a HDMI pigtail extended to plug in your Chromecast into tight spots, that’s it. Wait… Where’s the remote? There isn’t one. We’ll get into that a bit later.

Setting up the Chromecast could not be easier. Plug it into a free HDMI port on your HDTV, add the power plug and turn on your TV- making sure to select the proper input. The Chromecast supports both 720P as well as 1080P. The first thing you will notice on your screen is the address of the WIFI network the Chromecast uses to broadcast and it will ask you to connect. Once you connect to the Chromecast WIFI network from your Android, IOS or laptop, you can then finish the 2-minute configuration. Select your home WIFI network and enter your password and you’re done. My Chromecast required an extra 2 minutes of preparation to download new firmware, your mileage may very.

Using the Chromecast is pretty straight forward and intuitive but much different than the Apple TV, Roku or Amazon Fire TV as there is no remote for the Chromecast. The Chromecast supports nearly the same array of channels or apps, as they are called in the Chromecast world, as the competitors. However, Chromecast is not driven by onscreen menus, your device is the remote control. You’ll need to download Chromecast aware apps for your mobile device or laptop. These apps have a Chromecast button on them and actually pass off the stream from your tablet, iPad, phone or laptop directly to the Chromecast. Again, your device acts as the remote. Once the stream starts playing, you can do other things on your device while you enjoy your show. I must admit, I was pretty skeptical of this system but its fast, slick and just rock solid.

Streaming shows from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, HBOGO and many others to your HDTV with the Google Chromecast is totally Tommy Approved!

For more information on how to get your own Google Chromecast, click here

[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me to test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]

VZWBUZZ Badge

TommyLog – Being Thankful is About Others

This Thanksgiving holiday season there is just so much to be thankful for. One message I want to leave with you all is that being thankful isn’t about yourself, it’s about others. Put others firs and the rest will play out just fine. Happy Thanksgiving!

TommyLog – Seat Belts First – The Start of Great Driving Habits #FordDriveSave

 

I remember, as a kid, car safety and seat belts were not the daily mantra like they are today. Heck, I still remember cars that just had lap belts and no shoulder belts. I think I still recall some that had no seat belts at all. Boy, does that date me. Growing up, we used to joke as a family that I was brought home from the hospital in the back of my parents Buick; just placing me all bundled up on the rear deck between the speakers and the back glass. At about age 7, my father would ask us if we were all buckled in, offering us a “bribe” of $1 if we were.

Seat belt MadelineOne very powerful childhood memory on the topic was a public service announcement on seat belt safety put on by Head Captain of the NY State Troopers. The gist of the ad was this: He said, “In the 25 years I have served on the force, I have never had to unbuckle a dead body.” Here I am, 30 plus years later and that commercial is still embossed in my mind. What a powerful  message!

Fast forward to November 2014, there are many safety messages for new drivers, each more important than the next, but I want to remind you of most basic of all–seat belts.  They are first line of safety in your car. You need to do that first, before you turn the ignition key, put the car into reverse and begin your journey.  To quote the State Trooper seat belt ad mentioned above, “Seat belts:  It’s Not Just a Good Idea, It’s the Law!”

To find the seat belt laws in your state, here’s a great page for your to reference from the Governors Highway Safety Association http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/seatbelt_laws.html

Another great resource to check out is Ford’s Driving Skills For Life. https://drivingskillsforlife.com/
logoFordDrivingSkills
Disclosure: I receive a fee for participating in certain promotional campaigns for Ford Motor Company. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

TommyLog TECH – Surfing Safely with a Verizon Mobile Hotspot #VZWBUZZ #AD

WIFI SecureHey gang, for today’s TommyLog Tech, I want to talk about being safe while on the traveling on the road. For those who are frequent travelers by air, you know there are many safety checkpoints along the way. Make sure sure that all your gels and liquids are in a clear zip-lock bag, please empty your pockets, take off your shoes and belts and put your laptops in the bins. You all know that TSA security checkpoint drill.

But how many of you are as safe on the road when it comes to surfing the web? Free public WIFI is available wherever you go from the airport, to your hotel rooms to the local coffee shop. While this Internet access is free and plentiful, it may not be without prying eyes. You need to always play heads up ball when using public WIFI and follow these 6 simple rules found in this article from Verizon Wireless:

1. Protect yourself by avoiding credit card transactions while using unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspots—such as those offered free in many businesses and restaurants.
2. It’s recommended that you send personal information only to web sites that you trust and that are fully encrypted (indicated by an https at the beginning of the address).
3. Log out of the sites you visit, and turn off Wi-Fi connections when not in use.
4. Yes, it’s a pain, but be sure to create a unique password for every site you use. In the event that a hacker does obtain your login credentials, this practice will limit their access to only one of your sites, not all of them.
5. For added safety, install browser security add-ons or plug-ins on your device, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) that adds encryption between your device and the Internet—even over unsecured networks.
6. Finally, make sure your computer has the latest firewall software, security patches and software updates.

Surfing the Internet safely while on the road by using the Verizon mobile hotspot on my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is totally Tommy Approved!

Verizon has more information on how to stay safe while using WIFI on the road. HERE

[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me to test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]

VZWBUZZ Badge